There have been quite a few user reports that Tello can no longer be activated in China now (you need to activate it in the U.S. and then bring it back to China to use), but existing users are still using it normally for now. Some people also say that long-term roaming in China may lead to account suspension. In short, Tello is not as stable for cloud-based users as it used to be. You may want to consider ENC as an alternative; it is a better fit for cloud-based users in terms of stability and convenience.

Tello Signup

If you plan to use Tello, you can register with a referral link and get a $10 credit bonus. You need to use code: P3Q660NV. Or register directly using the link below; after successful registration and activation of the SIM card, you will receive a $10 credit bonus.

After activating any number, you will see the $10 credit added to your account. It can be used the next time you renew a plan or buy a data add-on. Just choose Tello Dollar at checkout.

Tello Introduction

Tello is a mobile virtual network operator based on the T-Mobile network. It uses the GSM standard, and all plans are prepaid with no credit check. Plans start at just $5/month. It offers free international calling to more than 60 countries and regions, including China, so it is cost-effective and suitable for long-term use. Below is a brief introduction to Tello's plans and usage tips.

Using Tello in the United States

Plans

Tello plans depend on the calling minutes and data allowance you need, with the lowest plan starting at $5/month (suitable for keeping the line active at low cost). If you want long-term use, Tello's basic plans include:

  • 100 minutes + unlimited texts + 2GB data $11/month
  • 300 minutes + unlimited texts + 2GB data $12/month
  • Unlimited talk and text + 1GB data $10/month
  • Unlimited talk and text + 2GB data $14/month
  • Unlimited talk and text + 4GB data $19/month
  • Unlimited talk and text + 6GB data $24/month
  • Unlimited talk and text + 8GB data $29/month
  • Unlimited talk, text, and data $39/month

Choose the one that fits your needs.

In addition, StackSocial often offers discounted 6-month plans. Purchase link below:

The 6-month plan with unlimited talk and text + 2GB data costs a total of $49 plus tax, which works out to about $8 per month. However, this plan is only available to new Tello users.

Activation and Use

When you place an order after choosing a plan, a new number is assigned by default. After receiving the SIM card, go to http://tello.com/activate and enter the 9-digit activation code on the back of the card to activate it. If you want to keep your existing number, you need to port it in. On the login page, use the Port in submenu and enter the Account number and PIN for the number you want to keep. The port-in process is usually completed in about 20 minutes. Plans renew automatically every 30 days by default.

eSIM is now supported as well. After setting it up online, you can simply scan the QR code to activate it automatically, which is very convenient!

Tello supports free international calls and texts to more than 60 countries and regions, so you can call or text family and friends in China.

Using Tello in China

We recently tested activating Tello service in China and will walk you through it step by step. The activation approach and steps are different from those used in the United States.

Also, if you are a cloud-based user using U.S. cards, you can join our Knowledge Planet community to get more practical information, help avoid pitfalls, and learn more about U.S. cards and bank accounts.

Purchase

Step 1: Register a Tello account using the Tello referral signup link (make sure the referral code is P3Q660NV, and you can get a $10 credit bonus).

Step 2: Choose a plan. Here is an explanation: the minutes and data included with U.S. numbers are for use within the United States, while cloud-based users need to make calls, receive texts, and use U.S. data while outside the United States. The minimum basic plan is $5/month, with no data and only 100 minutes of calling (Figure 1). That is enough, because if you are not going to the U.S., you won't use the other features anyway.

Step 3: Enter your payment information and complete the purchase. The system will calculate tax based on the address you enter. If you enter a Chinese address, you do not need to pay tax. Cloud-based users can choose eSIM, which is more convenient for remote activation. If payment fails, you can choose to pay with PayPal; in testing, it went through instantly.

Activation

Step 4: Activate the account. In your account, you can see the eSIM QR code. You can scan it directly with your phone to activate it automatically. However, for cloud-based users activating remotely outside the U.S., it is a bit more complicated. After scanning, the SIM card will not activate immediately because you are not in the United States. You need to first connect Wi-Fi Calling, and only then can you activate it.

Step 5: Activate Wi-Fi Calling. First, go to the Tello website and set your 911 address. The specific link is:

  • After setting that up, you need to turn on your VPN to access the internet outside the country (because the Wi-Fi Calling server itself is already blocked), and then enable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's SIM card settings. After loading for a while, it will turn on.
  • After activating Wi-Fi Calling, wait a while and the number should activate successfully. With Wi-Fi Calling on, you will receive Tello's activation text message.

Step 6: Activate roaming data. First, go to Tello's pay as you go section to buy credit, which is used for roaming. Add-ons start at $20. If your base plan does not expire, this $20 will not expire either, so you can use it gradually.

  • Turn on roaming on your phone and data roaming on the eSIM card, then turn off Wi-Fi. After that, you’ll see roaming activated and data activated as well! I set the network selection to automatic directly, and it doesn’t seem to make a difference.
  • You can check the IP geolocation.
  • You can use the data as a hotspot so your computer can get online without any issues. You can also check the IP purity. A home broadband IP + extremely clean + fewer than 10 contributors is still pretty good.

Pricing

The monthly base plan cannot be waived, because without a base plan, the pay as you go credit will expire. In addition, both calls and text messages can be handled in China via Wi-Fi calling, and it is free. If you need unrestricted internet access or a clean IP, you can directly use Tello’s roaming data. The pricing is below, and when calculated it comes out to $10/G, which is still very good.

eSIM

Tello now supports eSIM, and it can be activated outside the United States (including China). Note that the Wi-Fi calling signal used by Tello is the same as T-Mobile’s. If you are in China, you need to set DNS (or use a VPN) to activate Wi-Fi calling service; afterward, you can use Wi-Fi without a VPN. eSIM support brings a major improvement:

  • Makes activation outside the United States easier (including China, activation on Chinese networks)
  • Makes number port-out easier (it can be used as a low-cost, convenient port-out tool)

Wi-Fi Calling

Tello also supports Wi-Fi calling; refer to the official instructions. Note that you need to set up the 911 address first before you can use Wi-Fi calling.

This feature allows you to make calls and send and receive text messages for free when you have a Wi-Fi connection, without using any of your plan’s allowance. This is very convenient for people using a Tello number overseas. It’s basically like having a free U.S. number, and you can connect to Wi-Fi directly to make calls to the U.S. and receive verification texts from banks.

Summary

Here is a summary of Tello’s advantages:

  • Tello is suitable for low-cost number retention (physical SIM). If you won’t be returning to the U.S. in the short term, it’s still good for keeping your number.
  • If you don’t need much talk time or data, it’s also fine.
  • You can use it to call elderly family members in China who don’t use WeChat.
  • Supports Wi-Fi calling
  • It’s a highly cost-effective mobile service to use in China, whether you’re returning long term or short term
  • It’s a great phone service for digital nomads

However, if you want to use and activate it in China, you can only use eSIM, which is a bit troublesome for phones without eSIM. Either buy a phone with eSIM support on Taobao, or use ENC’s base plan + roaming package, which works as well.